Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
While beef and broccoli is a beloved takeout classic, it is also a delicious and easy to make slow cooker meal. And dare I say, the slow cooker may just be the best way to make beef and broccoli? It takes only 10 minutes of hands on time, and results in tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce. This is a hassle free weeknight dinner idea that you can start before the evening chaos begins, to give you a delicious meal with ease.
Serve it with Egg Drop Soup or Spring Rolls for an awesome meal.
Why We Love This Recipe
I am a huge fan of take-out fake-out recipes, like:
And this beef and broccoli is one of the best. There’s something amazing about walking in the door after a busy day to the tantalizing aroma of beef and broccoli. Here’s why we love this dish, and make it a go to for busy nights:
- Effortless Cooking: This is a dump and serve recipe. With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, giving you a fantastic meal with just minutes of effort. It is perfect for busy weekdays.
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking process ensures the stew meat used for the beef turns out incredibly tender, and soaks up all the savory flavors of the sauce. The slow cooking process allows the connective tissue to break down and give you totally tender beef.
- Flavor-Packed: A combination of soy sauce, beef stock, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness creates a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly and gives you delightful flavor.
- Nutritious: This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome meal for the entire family.
- Family Favorite: Beef and broccoli is one of the tastiest recipes that tends to be a favorite among kids and adults alike.
What You Need to Make Beef and Broccoli
To whip up this scrumptious beef and broccoli in your slow cooker, gather the following ingredients:
- Beef: Use stew meat. It is already cut up, and perfect for slow cooking. But if you don’t have it, you can use flank steak or beef chuck, thinly sliced against the grain.
- Broccoli: Frozen broccoli is perfect for this recipe, and makes things so easy.
- Sesame Oil: Extra flavor.
- Soy Sauce: For that essential savory umami flavor.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth to the sauce. I like using Zoup! Culinary Concentrate to make my beef stock.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
- Ginger: Freshly grated or ginger paste adds warmth and complexity.
- Hoison: Adds some depth of flavor.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce at the end.
- Water: To mix with the cornstarch.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli in the Slow Cooker
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering slow cooker beef and broccoli:
- Prep the Beef: If you are using stew meat, you don’t need to do anything else to prep it, but if you aren’t you will want to slice your beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the meat stays tender during the slow cooking process.
- Make the Sauce: Either directly in the slow cooker crock, or in a liquid measuring cup or a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, brown sugar, hoison, garlic, and ginger. This mixture will infuse the beef with incredible flavor.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 5-6 hours. The beef will become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cook time is done, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Once you have added the slurry, add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the slow cooker, and stir to combine.
- Combine and Serve: Let the slow cooker finish cooking for 30 minutes, until broccoli is warmed through. Serve your beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles.
Variations
- Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Beef and Broccoli: Substitute half of the brown sugar with honey for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Medley: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a more colorful and nutritious meal.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
- Sesame Oil: Drizzle a little sesame oil over the top for added flavor after cooking.
Tips and Tricks
- Cutting the Beef: if you are using flank steak or beef chuck, be sure to freeze the beef for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to get thin, even slices.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Broccoli Texture: If using fresh broccoli, consider steaming it separately and add it to the slow cooker just before serving. Or add the fresh broccoli about 15-20 minutes before the cook time is over.
- Marinating the Beef: If you want a more intense flavor, you can marinate the beef in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before adding it to the slow cooker to begin cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Make a double batch and freeze half before cooking for an easy meal later.
FAQ’s
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli? Or fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It works great in this recipe. Add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking. If using fresh broccoli, cook only 15-20 minutes.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Absolutely! Stew meat is my go to for this recipe, however flank steak, beef chuck, or even sirloin work well for this recipe.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, extra vegetables are a simple way to add more nutrition. Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or any other vegetables you like.
What to Serve Beef and Broccoli With
Slow cooker beef and broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few side dish ideas to complement it:
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing. You can also use Easy Rice Pilaf.
- Noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a twist. Or serve with Chow Mein
- Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls make a great appetizer. Or Baked or Fried Shrimp and Veggie Egg Rolls
- Asian Salad: A fresh salad with a ginger-sesame dressing adds a nice contrast.
- Soup: Start with a light soup like miso, egg drop, or wonton soup.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household!
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat
- 16 ounces Frozen Broccoli
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tablespoon Ginger Paste
- 1 Tablespoon Hoison
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons Water cold
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: If you are using stew meat, you don't need to do anything else to prep it, but if you aren't you will want to slice your beef thinly against the grain.
- Make the Sauce: Either directly in the slow cooker crock, or in a liquid measuring cup or a bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, brown sugar, hoison, garlic, and ginger.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 5-6 hours. The beef will become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cook time is done, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Once you have added the slurry, add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the slow cooker, and stir to combine.
- Combine and Serve: Let the slow cooker finish cooking for 30 minutes, until broccoli is warmed through. Serve your beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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Marianne says
Absolutely delicious, the whole family loved it. Many thanks (done without sugar nor ginger)
Rachael says
I am so glad you enjoyed it!